(25 October 2011) The European Federation of Public Services (EPSU) is moved by the images of the earthquake that shook the Eastern part of Turkey. The eastern city of Van was hit by a 7.2 magnitude earthquake on Sunday, 23 October. At this moment more than 270 people have been reported dead and more than a thousand people are injured in the quake.

The search and rescue operations are going on and there is a concern about death toll rise, in this moment we send a warm solidarity message to the inhabitants of the region and the public sector workers that are risking their lives to safe the lives of many.

Our Turkish affiliates have many members in the region and we wish they will be able to go back to normality soon.

In solidarity,

Carola Fischbach-Pyttel, EPSU General Secretary